ZEUS poll-Random sample of SCE in Surrey, and Fraser Valley of 504 respondents between September 13-17, 2009. Margin of error approximately (4.5%) 19 times out of 20. Adjusted for population and gender--honourarium provided by Jim Van Rassel (604) 328-5398.

first published 5:45 AM September 18, 2009

Question #1

Which of the following political leaders and parties associated with each, do you support most in terms of how much you like them and would support them?

Surrey mayor Dianne Watts and B.C. Conservatives

47 %

B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell and B.C. Liberals

24 %

Carole James and B.C. New Democrats

17 %

Jane Sterk and B.C. Greens

03 %

Question #2

In your opinion which financial scenario do you perceive as more acceptable?

Short term increase in modest deficits with bright economic prospects ahead

50 %

Larger increases in long term structural debt which may affect future economic decisions

28 %

No to either, I don’t know—Undecided—Other

22 %

Question #3

Federal Conservative Attorney General Robert Nicholson has announced a crack down by Ottawa on “White collar crime”. In your opinion which area of white collar crime should receive the most attention and resources?

White collar crime in government

27 %

White collar crime in the private sector

11 %

All white collar crime

62 %

Undecided

02 %

Commentary

Surrey mayor and recent political superstar Dianne Watts takes over the Fraser Valley with the following support in each of our ZEUS strategic phoning regions: Surrey (56%), Langley (35%), Abbotsford (35%), Hope (40%), and Aldergrove (40%).

Based on popularity relative to population in each ‘SCE’-- Dianne Watts dominates Surrey—and is split with Gordon Campbell and B.C. Liberals throughout the remainder of the region. She does this under the B.C. Conservative Party banner—with this provincial party potentially making a big comeback—commencing at their A.G.M in Chilliwack at the end of September 2009.

Exclusive of Surrey outcomes, Dianne Watts and BC Conservative scores (36%) of popular support—while Gordon Campbell and B.C. Liberals scores (35%).
With Dianne Watts taking more than (50%) of support in the Fraser Valley Region of the lower mainland of Greater Vancouver—and producing this result with the B.C. Conservatives—described my Bill Good of C.K.N.W. as (currently) “faceless”---no leader—no visible organization—etc./and Campbell fading to ‘black box’ in Surrey—and taking on water in the remainder of the Valley---the speculation rises---does this mean that Dianne Watts—with the erstwhile – but fresh?---BC Conservatives—would similarly dominate in the Okanagan region—as well as other BC Liberal comfort zones—such as Richmond—and North Vancouver?

What went unnoticed after the recent general provincial election in May—is that Carole James and B.C. N.D.P. were sneaking up in public support----little by little—in the Fraser Valley--- but not in this poll---not with Dianne “DD” Watts in the game

B.C. Greens are barely a blip.

Dianne Watts and BC Conservatives are slightly more popular than Abbotsford’s B.C. Liberal AG Mike de Jong—.

In the Fraser Valley—Dianne Watts doesn’t need the B.C. Liberal Party AND there is enough here to suggest that she could dominate in all areas of the province previously controlled by the B.C. Liberal party as the leader of the new (improved) B.C. Conservative party. Will the B.C. Conservative Party next week provide an Executive and Board worthy of a leader of the stature of a potential leader like Dianne Watts—or will they set the table with –same old—same old—fringe right wingers?

Short term modest deficits (with “bright economic prospects ahead”) are far more acceptable to Fraser Valley residents than “Larger increases in long term structural debt which may affect future economic decisions.” The former choice is designed to be more positive than the latter-and it is by a significant amount. After the choppy/sloppy work of the B.C. Liberal government following the recent Budget announcements—and cuts—and the subsequent announcements by federal Conservative finance minister Jim Flaherty—in Victoria, B.C. last week it is clear that the feds have the ear of Fraser Valley residents-particularly while federal election banter is agitating.

It is also clear that Dianne Watts may own the hearts and minds of respondents in this southeastern portion of Greater Vancouver—including Langley, Chilliwack, and Abbotsford, often referred to as the ‘Bible belt’.

Justice Minister Robert Nicholson wants to crack down on Ponzi schemes and other White collar crime—which following a year of taxpayer funded support of failed financial and automobile corporations is likely long overdue. His problem-- is respondents in this conservative friendly territory—is more concerned with white collar crime in government (generally) than in the “private sector”. The people need to see the faces of public servant or two or three or probably more-- on the front pages ‘swinging’.—it can’t always be blamed on the private sector criminals.
Citizens understand reasonably the caveats attached to the private sector but are less comfortable with government’s ability to be transparent and forthcoming about white collar crime in government. Recent examples of Canada Revenue employees being involved with gangsters or embezzling money from taxpayer’s is not perceived by the public as isolated—as suggested by agents for the culprits—but as more symptomatic as a much greater ‘secret’ of potentially much large white collar crime in the public sector’.
(GPR will be issuing to the press-evidence of more crime next week).

This creates a difficult situation for the federal Conservative government-who wants to be tough on crime (or appear tough)—particular as it relates to white collar financial crime—in markets or elsewhere—while keeping a lid on crime—in government—which would suggest a lack of proper oversight. The recent cases of CRA rip-offs recently reported offer no insight as to whether or not the CRA thieves who stole tens of thousand of dollars will ever be prosecuted. We are only told these are isolated incidences and the thieves no longer work at CRA. How is this helpful to British Columbians who don’t trust their provincial government with money—and who are being introduced to a whole new genre of white collar crime—government employees.

For the record our position is—if it happens even a few times—it is likely occurring in thousands of instances either big or small—on balance of probability. What can citizens do about it? Absolutely nothing—and government knows this---the Internet and other communication is changing all of this—and the feds had better get in front of this—or will likely be hammered by voters—if it appears they are covering it up—particularly in the area of tax collection.

Big Banks and financial institutions need far greater oversight—as consumers are being hurt by multiples of little thefts costing consumer millions of dollars--but to the benefit of large financial lenders and their shareholders.